Pesquisa-ação em comunidades da pesca artesanal afetadas pelo desastre-crime do derramamento de petróleo

The aim of this article is to describe the experience of researchers in applying action research as a methodological tool in territories of artisanal fishing affected by the oil disaster that occurred in 2019 on the Northeast coast of Brazil. This is a critical-reflective hermeneutic study, based on the analysis of researchers' experiences reports, and field diaries developed during research activities conducted between 2021 and 2023. Immersing oneself in reality and territorializing knowledge beyond an epistemic matter contributes to the dialogical process in territories, strengthening aspects of knowledge, being, and power in pursuit of social, racial, environmental, and gender justice. Action research demonstrates the need for reflections on the limitations imposed by research with methodologies that are disconnected from the territories, allowing for epistemological advances in the field of public health, promoting the emancipation and autonomy of communities in their social and health processes.